Chief Minister David Sengeh Accuses Mosques & Churches of Electricity Theft

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has sparked controversy by accusing churches, mosques, government agencies and some homes of stealing electricity.

Sengeh made the claims during a press briefing, citing them as a reason for the country’s ongoing electricity woes. His comments come amidst the resignation of the former Energy Minister, a close associate of President Bio.

The Chief Minister expressed frustration with widespread electricity theft, alleging that “many churches, mosques, ministries, and even houses are stealing electricity.” He urged citizens to cease these practices, including using illegal meters or tampering with existing ones, claiming it deprives the government of revenue.

Sengeh’s accusations, particularly those against religious institutions, have drawn criticism. The public is calling for a transparent investigation into the alleged theft, alongside efforts to address the systemic issues within the energy sector that are causing the electricity supply problems.

Many have questioned the credibility of the accusations due to the lack of evidence presented by Dr. Sengeh. Targeting religious institutions has also been criticized as insensitive and politically charged, further inflaming the controversy.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

| 2024-05-17 14:57:33

It a pity for a well educated man like sengeh to say such comment. Since he removed his dread he is out of proportion
| 2024-05-12 22:08:30

You see this is one of the reasons why small person don't fit power because of them can bite more than they can chew . Just look at what so call chief minister is saying that mosques and churches are stealing light may Allah punish you for that word. You guys have failed you don't want people to blame you nor wonder why you say even Chris can not solve Sierra Leone problem
Roland Charley | 2024-05-09 16:09:14

I believe the Chief Minister is right to pin point areas and institutions in which electricity fraud exists within the country. It is no crime to accuse churches or mosques of using electricity fraudulently. What is wrong here is that the Chief Minister did not provide any tangible evidence after his proclamation. Having said that, the Chief Minister also accused even households of doing the same. Remember prepaid metres in the 70's at low cost housing? People tampered with it with what they referred to as "seven up" rigging devices. Sierra Leoneans are intrinsically corrupt and can be dishonest on a grand scale - courtesy of legitimising dishonesty as "usai u tie cow na dae e dae eat" rethoric of Late Pa Sheki. Now, let's get back to the backlash on the accusations on religious sectors; we can all see how these churches and other religious organisations have practised and endorsed the exploitation of worshippers. They collect monies and tithes from their congregations only for the pastors, imams etc to use the funds to ride grand cars, build nice dwellings while their congregations remain in poverty. So tell me, if churches and other religious institutions can fraudulently take money from people on the pretext of being healed, redeemed, getting rich etc., what's to stop some of them.from.stealing electricity? Now we see many people including double PhD holders coming to criticise the Chief Minister only for stating the obvious; what a farce! How much of the daily collections and stipulated tithes is channelled back to their congregations anyways? In my opinion, Sierra Leoneans, whether politicians, religious leaders, civil servants, armed forces or police, teachers, nurses etc. will all take advantages to defraud fellow citizens or the state of anything. So please let's stop the rantings and try to modify our ways to not to involve in indecency and fraudulent acts. Thank you for reading.
| 2024-05-09 11:27:27

the problem here is the government can't fix the problem of energy and power because of dishonest to the people.as for Mr chief minister he tok or speak like any common man. if i can remember the last time he was on media say 5watt bulb to manage the power but he cannot tell us he is using Cole pot to cook instead of eletric cooker or electric iron instead cool guce were he know he is not paying electricity bill for home self. God is watching us
Yankuba Sandy | 2024-05-08 11:18:21

Please I may really really stand toll with my beloved chief minister as he is saying the truth. We are living in a country where even these who called themselves people of worshiping God almighty are not totally depends on issues related to our lord God almighty of Abraham Isaac and Jacob.Instead the haves their own gods attention towards in which mostly some of them are running deals of those of their gods in both mosques and churches. So to be honestly speaking I don't trust anyone else for the stealing of the national electricity. So please Mr minister do check all the those in charge of the electricity's itself right because among them there some badly eggs that that helps these people's to do this stealing. So please don't relent to go after them
| 2024-05-08 10:57:04

This is not true , how a mosque and church can steal light when they always preach about anything that is Haram there is no mosques or churches in freetown that do not have meter on their own.sometimes let think wisely before we talk.
| 2024-05-08 10:46:33

Mr chief minister, you cant make those broad accusations without putting names to it. It makes you look small and quite frankly, it makes you a part of the problem . By not disclosing their names, you're hiding and protecting felons.Think about that.
| 2024-05-08 10:30:58

Let's the government ministries and government MDA pay their over 419 billion Leones they have to pay Edsa. And let them be paying for the services Edsa is rendering to them monthly. And let's all of them as government officers pay for the light they are using in there homes. And also let all politians stop using light they are not paying for.
| 2024-05-08 09:09:26

This is just a mere and senseless accusations. If such defamed news should come from anybody, Chief Minister should be the last. Am not defending the religious houses at this point but am suggesting that Chief Minister produce evidences to support his accusations. Thanks.
| 2024-05-08 09:07:52

Why can't this government accept their mistake for once and correct it instead they shift the blame to others
| 2024-05-08 08:59:31

If that be the case, then what caused that, My own opinion here is the government responsible for such things that are happening for example mobile data, all the mobile companies they will say if you bought this amount it will serve for a month but before the blink of an eye the data is finished, so if the people have way to steal the data they will do, So same to the electricity how can you buy one hundred leones and give you 20 unit so this is the big problem in this country call sierra Leone.
| 2024-05-08 08:42:47

He is really mad, the hotels, and large scale companies that is using much energy he did not talks about them, there was a time when Radisson Blu hotel was caught stealing electricity and we never heard of it again, your time is over, your fremason society you joined in the UK that is making you think you are special i will destroy it for you very soon.
| 2024-05-08 08:29:48

Many people commenting negatively against the man's accusation know it's true. I know it's happening in Sierra Leone. Salone na corrupt country.
| 2024-05-08 08:24:15

One thing that surprises me when ever I am home(Sierra leone) is my people's eternal trust in religious persons such as Rev. Fathers and Sisters, Bishops, Pastors and Imams. They are angels who cannot act as humans. In Africa and Sierra Leone, Once someone claims dedication to God either by ordination, opening of a church or comes from Hajj in mecca, a foll He/she is automatically believed to be trustworthy, angelic, holy not deceitful, cannot lie , in short he or she is morally upright. Sierra Leoneans STOP this . It is the worst mistake you people are making. The worst human being you can ever come across is one who Claims allegiance with God... they are sinners like me and you. They steal, lie, fornicate, womanise, all of the sins we humans commit they also do. That's is why is see my brothers and sisters unknowingly submitting to these people any how without a second thought.. do you know how many marriages rev. Fathers pastors and Imams have destroyed? Do you know how many women they sleep with per day or week? Check most of our Imams, they are also involved in dubious things. Please Please Sierra Leoneans Religious people, pastors rev. Fathers, Imams are NOT God. The Chief Minister cannot stand on the pulpit and say those things with evidence. Let us learn..I rest my case
kamaraishmailsheikabdulmalik | 2024-05-08 08:22:07

Nasty Chief minister you have reach the Apogee, you will soon disgrace if you bring your mess in our Religion ( Islam) inshallah Mark ‼️ my words
| 2024-05-08 08:12:32

Let Chief Minister plainly point out or name churches and mosques that are stealing ESDA light. When a man losses focus and fear of God he will do anything he wants to do. Chief Minister please point out or name churches and mosques that are involved into this stealing light please. Please when you have concluded it all, its means you have an iota of evidence piled at your desk.
| 2024-05-07 23:24:49

Shame to the so called chief minister for accusing religious places. I am calling on the inter religious council of Sierra Leone to step in and called for the minister to resign or else we the people will rise against him
| 2024-05-07 18:28:13

Chief Minister please stop the blame game. Where are the evidences? I am not defending electricity theft.
| 2024-05-07 14:58:41

I could be true. Sierra Leone is just a corrupt place. The corruption starts from our homes to schools and to offices. We need to change that attitude
| 2024-05-06 21:28:50

This is unbelievable. How do mosque and churches steal light. When they are in the place of worship,how many hours do they spend? Give us one mosque or church that you have caught. Be careful young man. God is supreme. The churches and Mosques 🕌 needs an open apology
| 2024-05-06 21:23:47

They should be punish for that. In the house of God people are doing this type of things, close them all and the leaders should be put to jail.
| 2024-05-06 20:53:50

He will end badly in his life trust...
| 2024-05-06 20:36:42

Wow it’s a good one. But don’t forget to kick the ball rolling more on your fellow government workers (Ministers) they are more into the game.
| 2024-05-06 20:33:43

Wow good to get this out. But is best you try to expose fellow government workers (ministers) they are more into the games.